About "Save the Children Committee (India)"

Roshni. 1996 Jan-Jun:21-3.

Abstract

PIP: This article describes the activity among charitable committees to provide education and shelter to orphans and homeless children in India. "Save The Children Committee" of the All India Women's Conference began operations during the Bengal famine of 1943 by providing shelter to children who were homeless or did not know where their parents were. The Bengal Relief Committee also provided shelters, which later became Children's Homes, which were operated by the Save The Children Committee. Funding support for the homes came from individual donors and organizations. The Bengal government provided Rs.25/month/child for 450 children. Children's homes were set up in Phola, Mymensingh, and Brahmanberia, in the present day Bangladesh, and in Bankura. The Committee took over homes in Mahishadal, Khagda, and Belbeni. After 1948, the Children's Homes in East Pakistan were transferred to India. In 1952, several Children's Committees merged. Funds were supplied by international organizations. Government support levels varied over time. Schools for orphans changed from an emphasis on self-reliance and work to ordinary schooling. Brief descriptions are provided for homes at Pifa, Mangalgunge in Bongaon Subdivision, Thakurpukur in 24-Parganas, and Khagda in Midnapore district. For example, the home at Khagda was begun by the Bengal Relief Committee at the time of the famine of 1944. Save The Children Committee took over its operations in 1946. It is now a home for 21 boys. The boys have access to a good high school, have achieved academically, and received respect from the community.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Factors
  • Asia
  • Behavior
  • Child Care*
  • Child Rearing
  • Child*
  • Demography
  • Developing Countries
  • Economics
  • Financial Management*
  • Foster Home Care*
  • Geography
  • Ill-Housed Persons*
  • India
  • Politics
  • Population
  • Population Characteristics
  • Public Opinion
  • Research*
  • Residence Characteristics
  • Women*